YOU'VE BEEN INVITED!
A friend or colleague thinks you should be part of something special – and we couldn’t agree more.
Join thousands of packaging professionals for two unmissable days at Packaging Innovations & Empack Birmingham 2026.
Dates and times:
Wednesday, 11 February 2026, 10am – 5pm
Thursday, 12 February 2026, 10am – 4pm
Venue:
NEC Birmingham, Halls 2, 3 & 3a
And what’s best, the registration is FREE. It won’t cost you anything to visit the show and inspire your next packaging project.
PRODUCT INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Discover the latest in primary and secondary packaging, from advanced materials and sustainable solutions to smart technology and supplier collaboration.
PROCESS INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENT
Discover the latest in packaging machinery, automation, and industrial efficiency, from robotics and filling systems to labelling, logistics, and smart factory solutions.
GROWTH, SCALING & OUTSOURCING
Discover scalable, end-to-end solutions in contract packing, fulfilment, and third-party logistics, from packaging design to final delivery.
WHY YOU NEED TO BE AT PACKAGING INNOVATIONS & EMPACK
EXPERT TRAIL
NEW FOR 2026
Sit down with specialists for one-to-one conversations on the topics that matter most – policy, printing, outsourcing, materials, and more. The Expert Trail is a chance to ask direct questions and leave with clear, tailored advice.
Participating organisations include Smithers, BCMPA, PackUK, UK Midlands Packaging Society, Roll to Roll and BPIF.
MATERIAL CONNEXION
NEW FOR 2026
Material ConneXion presents a curated showcase of cutting-edge materials transforming tomorrow’s products. Explore breakthrough textiles, sustainable composites, advanced polymers, and emerging technologies that inspire new possibilities. Their interactive display highlights how smart material choices drive true innovation – and how understanding performance, sustainability, and context leads to smarter, more resilient design decisions.
MUSEUM OF FAILURE
NEW FOR 2026
Discover why innovations fail by examining real corporate missteps – from Kodak’s digital camera to modern AI errors. This workshop reveals recurring psychological traps and organizational flaws that undermine even great ideas. Learn from decades of repeated mistakes to strengthen next-generation materials, packaging, automation, and sustainable solutions.
DISCOVERY THEATRE
NEW FOR 2026
Hear from start-ups, SMEs, and suppliers introducing breakthrough technologies like AI and smart packaging. The Discovery Theatre brings emerging ideas to the stage, offering perspectives that spark new thinking and reveal what’s on the horizon.
NORTHERN DESIGN FESTIVAL
NEW FOR 2026
Founded in 2023 by a student-led team, the Northern Design Festival champions free, accessible creative opportunities across the region. Born from firsthand experience of limited pathways in the North, the festival empowers people from all backgrounds to enter the industry, connect with peers, and grow into confident, successful creatives.
BEER BAR
NEW FOR 2026
Kick back and take it easy in our new beer-garden–style bar, the perfect spot to unwind with a cold pint and great company. Settle into the relaxed atmosphere, strike up friendly conversations, and test your knowledge with our lively pub quiz sessions.
It’s your laid-back haven to pause, mingle, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-poured beer.
EMPACK TOUR
NEW FOR 2026
Join a guided Empack Tour focused on machinery and processing suppliers. Led by experts, it’s the fastest way to discover key technologies, meet the right suppliers, and see live demonstrations that show how automation and equipment can transform your packaging and production operations.
AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS ZONE
NEW FOR 2026
Step into the Automation & Robotics Zone and experience the technologies reshaping production. From automation systems to robotics, discover practical solutions that deliver efficiency and transformation across the packaging industry.
PITCH THE CO-PACKERS
NEW FOR 2026
Experience the excitement of start-ups and challenger brands pitching their packaging challenges and solutions to industry experts. Fast-paced and revealing, this competition shows innovation under pressure and offers real insight into collaboration.
CPD ACCREDITED SESSIONS
NEW FOR 2026
Take part in Empack’s CPD-accredited programme, designed for operations, engineering, and supply chain professionals. Across two days, you’ll gain practical knowledge on automation, robotics, AI, compliance, and sustainability – with credits to recognise your learning. Walk away with strategies you can apply immediately to improve your packaging lines.
INNOVATION ON THE MOVE
NEW FOR 2026
Sheard Packaging brings its Mobile Innovation Centre to Packaging Innovations & Empack as Innovation Partner – live design, testing and sampling, all on the show floor.
Find the team at Stand A80 and see smarter packaging decisions in action.
FUTURE TRAILBLAZERS AWARDS
Celebrate the people and projects redefining packaging at the Future Trailblazers Awards. This ceremony shines a spotlight on rising talent, creative ideas, and industry-shaping solutions – leaving you motivated and inspired by fresh thinking.
EXPERT LED SEMINARS
Across the Design & Innovation, Circular Economy, and Supply Chain stages, hear from experts tackling policy, sustainability, accessibility, and design. Expect big ideas and practical takeaways that will spark fresh approaches to packaging.
EXHIBITOR INNOVATION GALLERY
Explore the latest packaging breakthroughs in the Innovation Gallery. From bold concepts to practical innovations, this curated showcase highlights what’s next. Join the live reveal of the winning entry and leave with inspiration you can act on.
COCKTAIL BAR
Recharge, relax, and raise a glass in our vibrant cocktail bar – your go-to oasis between sessions. Enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to unwind, connect, and reset.
Sip and savor during our exclusive happy hours from 12-1 PM and 3-4 PM on 11 February, and 12-1 PM and 2-3 PM on 12 February, and make the most of your time to pause, refresh, and refuel before diving back into the action.
EMPACK TOUR
NEW FOR 2026
Join a guided Empack Tour focused on machinery and processing suppliers. Led by experts, it’s the fastest way to discover key technologies, meet the right suppliers, and see live demonstrations that show how automation and equipment can transform your packaging and production operations.
MATERIAL CONNEXION
NEW FOR 2026
Material ConneXion presents a curated showcase of cutting-edge materials transforming tomorrow’s products. Explore breakthrough textiles, sustainable composites, advanced polymers, and emerging technologies that inspire new possibilities. Their interactive display highlights how smart material choices drive true innovation – and how understanding performance, sustainability, and context leads to smarter, more resilient design decisions.
START-UP ZONE
NEW FOR 2026
Discover ambitious young businesses introducing bold packaging ideas in the Start-up Zone. Meet innovators with fresh perspectives and see how their creative approaches could shape your own projects.
AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS ZONE
NEW FOR 2026
Step into the Automation & Robotics Zone and experience the technologies reshaping production. From automation systems to robotics, discover practical solutions that deliver efficiency and transformation across the packaging industry.
450+ EXHIBITORS
With over 450 exhibitors under one roof, you’ll have direct access to suppliers across every packaging sector. Compare solutions, build relationships, and find the right partners to help your business grow.
PITCH THE CO-PACKERS
NEW FOR 2026
Experience the excitement of start-ups and challenger brands pitching their packaging challenges and solutions to industry experts. Fast-paced and revealing, this competition shows innovation under pressure and offers real insight into collaboration.
ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION ZONE
NEW FOR 2026
Discover the latest robotics and automation innovations designed to streamline operations and boost efficiency. See first-hand how these technologies are shaping packaging’s future and consider how they could benefit your business.
DISCOVERY THEATRE
NEW FOR 2026
Hear from SMEs, start-ups, and suppliers presenting new technologies and ideas. From AI to smart packaging, the Discovery Theatre is where emerging solutions and fresh thinking take the spotlight.
NORTHERN DESIGN FESTIVAL
NEW FOR 2026
Founded in 2023 by a student-led team, the Northern Design Festival champions free, accessible creative opportunities across the region. Born from firsthand experience of limited pathways in the North, the festival empowers people from all backgrounds to enter the industry, connect with peers, and grow into confident, successful creatives.
MATERIAL CONNEXION
NEW FOR 2026
Material ConneXion presents a curated showcase of cutting-edge materials transforming tomorrow’s products. Explore breakthrough textiles, sustainable composites, advanced polymers, and emerging technologies that inspire new possibilities. Their interactive display highlights how smart material choices drive true innovation – and how understanding performance, sustainability, and context leads to smarter, more resilient design decisions.
MUSEUM OF FAILURE
NEW FOR 2026
Discover why innovations fail by examining real corporate missteps – from Kodak’s digital camera to modern AI errors. This workshop reveals recurring psychological traps and organizational flaws that undermine even great ideas. Learn from decades of repeated mistakes to strengthen next-generation materials, packaging, automation, and sustainable solutions.
INNOVATION ON THE MOVE
NEW FOR 2026
Sheard Packaging brings its Mobile Innovation Centre to Packaging Innovations & Empack as Innovation Partner – live design, testing and sampling, all on the show floor.
Find the team at Stand A80 and see smarter packaging decisions in action.
EXHIBITOR INNOVATION GALLERY
Visit the Innovation Gallery to explore exhibitor breakthroughs redefining packaging. From sustainability to smart solutions, you’ll see ideas that stand out and have the potential to transform the way packaging is approached.
EXPERT TRAIL
NEW FOR 2026
Sit down with specialists for one-to-one conversations on the topics that matter most – policy, printing, outsourcing, materials, and more. The Expert Trail is a chance to ask direct questions and leave with clear, tailored advice.
Participating organisations include Smithers, BCMPA, PackUK, UK Midlands Packaging Society, Roll to Roll and BPIF.
CPD ACCREDITED SESSIONS
NEW FOR 2026
Take part in Empack’s CPD-accredited programme, designed for operations, engineering, and supply chain professionals. Across two days, you’ll gain practical knowledge on automation, robotics, AI, compliance, and sustainability – with credits to recognise your learning. Walk away with strategies you can apply immediately to improve your packaging lines.
DISCOVERY THEATRE
NEW FOR 2026
Hear from start-ups, SMEs, and suppliers introducing breakthrough technologies like AI and smart packaging. The Discovery Theatre brings emerging ideas to the stage, offering perspectives that spark new thinking and reveal what’s on the horizon.
MUSEUM OF FAILURE
NEW FOR 2026
Discover why innovations fail by examining real corporate missteps – from Kodak’s digital camera to modern AI errors. This workshop reveals recurring psychological traps and organizational flaws that undermine even great ideas. Learn from decades of repeated mistakes to strengthen next-generation materials, packaging, automation, and sustainable solutions.
INSIGHTS ACROSS 3 STAGES
Three stages – Design & Innovation, Circular Economy, and Supply Chain – bring industry leaders to the floor. From policy and sustainability to accessibility and design, you’ll hear practical insights that help you tackle today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow.
BEER BAR
NEW FOR 2026
Kick back and take it easy in our new beer-garden–style bar, the perfect spot to unwind with a cold pint and great company. Settle into the relaxed atmosphere, strike up friendly conversations, and test your knowledge with our lively pub quiz sessions.
It’s your laid-back haven to pause, mingle, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-poured beer.
COCKTAIL BAR
Recharge, relax, and raise a glass in our vibrant cocktail bar – your go-to oasis between sessions. Enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to unwind, connect, and reset.
Sip and savor during our exclusive happy hours from 12-1 PM and 3-4 PM on 11 February, and 12-1 PM and 2-3 PM on 12 February, and make the most of your time to pause, refresh, and refuel before diving back into the action.
NETWORK WITH 450+ SUPPLIERS
With hundreds of suppliers onsite, every conversation is a chance to build connections. Whether it’s a planned meeting or a quick introduction, the show makes it easy to expand your network.
EXHIBITOR NETWORKING PARTY
Join our networking party from 5–7pm on Day 1 at the Beer Bar for free-flowing drinks and a chance to share insights and solutions with your peers.
SOURCE FROM 450+ SUPPLIERS
NETWORK WITH INNOVATORS LIKE YOU
LEARN FROM EXPERTS ON POLICY, DESIGN, AND MANUFACTURING
PACKAGING INNOVATIONS & EMPACK AT A GLANCE
VISITORS
SUPPLIERS
SPEAKERS
OF NETWORKING
PACKAGING INNOVATIONS & EMPACK AT A GLANCE
VISITORS
SUPPLIERS
SPEAKERS
HOURS OF NETWORKING
